[VARIOUS] [VOTE 2007: NIGHTLINE EDITMASTERS OBAMA V. HILLARY / MCFADDEN HILLARY CLINTON INTERVIEW] DUBS OF NIGHTLINE EDITMASTERS ON THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES: FROM NTL 07-05: 01:00 TAPPER - BARACK OBAMA VERSUS HILLARY CLINTON 2/12/07 FROM NTL 06-34: 40:00 MCFADDEN INTERVIEW WITH HILLARY CLINTON 9/7/06 48:44 MCFADDEN - HILLARY CLINTON PART THREE 9/7/06

B-Roll Shot 02/07/2007. shot 2/7/07 Atlanta, GA Exteriors Comp USA.

Rahm Israel Emanuel (/r m/; born November 29, 1959) is an American politician, who is the 44th and current mayor of Chicago. A member of the Democratic Party, Emanuel was elected in 2011, and reelected on April 7, 2015.Born in Chicago, Emanuel is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and Northwestern University. Working early in his career in Democratic politics, Emanuel was appointed as director of the finance committee for Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign. In 1993, he joined the Clinton administration, where he served as the assistant to the president for political affairs and as the senior advisor to the president for policy and strategy before resigning, in 1998. Beginning a career in finance, Emanuel worked at the investment bank Wasserstein Perella & Co. from 1998 for 2½ years, and served on the board of directors of Freddie Mac.In 2002, Emanuel ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives vacated by Rod Blagojevich, who resigned to become governor of Illinois. Emanuel won the first of three terms representing Illinois's 5th congressional district, a seat he held from 2003 to 2009. During his tenure in the House, Emanuel held two Democratic leadership positions, serving as the chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee from 2005 to 2007, and as the chair of the House Democratic Caucus, from 2007 to 2009. After the 2008 presidential election, President Barack Obama appointed Emanuel to serve as White House chief of staff.

B-roll: Citadel/CNN YouTube Debate/Charleston neighborhood/Ext. Iowa campaign offices Charleston, SC & Des Moines, IA 7/23/2007 & 7/27/2007 Citadel b-roll (debate location), ext shot

WS of more and more people joining the crowd to watch the dawn launching of hundreds of hot air balloons during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

HOUSE FLOOR DEBATE: The House meets at 9:00 a.m. and at 10:00 a.m. will begin Legislative Business Unlimited One-Minute Speeches Per Side Last Votes expected (unkown) Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 6 ) the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, to move the United States toward greater energy independence and security, to increase the production of renewable fuels, to protect consumers, to increase the efficiency of products, buildings and vehicles, to promote research on and deploy greenhouse gas capture and storage options, and to improve the energy performance of the Federal Government and for other purposes (Subject to a Rule) Suspension Bills (8) - 1) S. 2271 - The Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Sen. Dodd - Financial Services); 2) H.R. 2761 - The Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 (Rep. Capuano - Financial Services); 3) H.R. 3648 - The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 (Rep. Rangel - Ways and Means); 4) H.R. 3997 - The Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2007 (HEART) - (Rep. Rangel - Ways and Means); 5) S. 2488 - The Openness Promotes Effectiveness in our National Government Act of 2007 (OPEN ACT) - (Sen. Leahy - Oversight and Government Reform); 6) H.R. 660 - The Court Security Improvement Act of 2007 (Rep. Conyers - Judiciary); 7) S. 863 - Emergency and Disaster Assistance Fraud Penalty Enhancement Act of 2007 (Sen. Sessions - Judiciary); 8) H.R.3690 - U.S. Capitol Police and Library of Congress Police Merger Implementation Act of 2007 (Rep. Brady - House Administration) Postponed Suspension Votes (2): 1) H.Res. 542 - Expressing the unconditional support of the House of Representatives for the members of the National Guard (Rep. Brown-Waite - Armed Services); 2) H.R. 3793 - Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act of 2007 (Rep. Altmire - Armed Services) Conference Reports may be brought up at any time. / Motions to go to Conference should they become available. / Possible Motions to Instruct Conferees.

B-ROLL FROM THE U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT AGENCY. THIS TAPE DEALS WITH OPERATION COMMUNITY SHIELD. INFO AS FOLLOWS:In February 2005, ICE began Operation Community Shield, a national law enforcement initiative that targets violent transnational street gangs through the use of ICE's broad law enforcement powers, including the unique and powerful authority to remove (deport) criminal aliens, including illegal aliens and legal permanent resident aliens. Under Operation Community Shield, ICE: Partners with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, in the United States and abroad, to develop a comprehensive and integrated approach in conducting criminal investigations and other law enforcement operations against violent street gangs and others who pose a threat to public safety. Identifies violent street gangs and develops intelligence on their membership, associates, criminal activities and international movements. Deters, disrupts and dismantles gang operations by tracing and seizing cash, weapons and other assets derived from criminal activities. Seeks prosecution and/or removal of alien gang members from the United States . Works closely with our attaché offices throughout Latin America and foreign law enforcement counterparts in gathering intelligence, sharing information and conducting coordinated enforcement operations. Conducts outreach efforts to increase public awareness about the fight against violent street gangs. Initially, the focus of ICE's efforts were directed toward the Mara Salvatrucha organization, commonly referred to as MS-13, one of the most violent and rapidly growing transnational street gangs. In May 2005, ICE expanded Operation Community Shield to include all transnational criminal street gangs and prison gangs. Results:Since inception, ICE agents across 100 field offices, working in conjunction with hundreds of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide, have arrested a total of 7,655 street gang members and associates, representing over 700 different gangs. These apprehensions include 2,444 criminal arrests and 5,211 administrative immigration arrests. One hundred-seven of those arrested were gang leaders. More than 2,555 of the arrested suspects had violent criminal histories. Through this initiative, ICE has also seized and removed from the streets 287 firearms. In all, Operation Community Shield arrests are up 533 percent since fiscal year 2005 and 134 percent over fiscal year 2006. Major Enforcement Actions: September 24, 2007 (Twin Cities metropolitan area and Albany , Willmar and Worthington , Minn. ): 34 aliens with ties to violent street gangs were arrested during a weeklong operation. All those arrested were targeted for their affiliations with violent street gangs such as Sureño-13, Vatos Locos, Rough Tough Somali Crips, and the Mexican Mafia, among others. Five of those apprehended were arrested on state criminal charges. Thirty of those arrested are illegal aliens and four are U.S. permanent residents whose previous criminal convictions render them eligible for deportation. Nine of the illegal aliens have been presented to the U.S. Attorney's Office for federal prosecution for re-entering the United States after having already been deported, which is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. ICE will process the remainder for deportation. Those arrested during this operation are from Mexico , Nicaragua , El Salvador and Somalia . September 2, 2007 ( Oklahoma City ): 65 people were arrested during a seven-day local enforcement action targeting violent street gang members. Those arrested include members of the following Oklahoma City street gangs: Barrio Gran Mexicanos, Gran Barrio Central, Juarito Sureno 14, LA 36, Los Centrales, Murdertown, South Side Locos and Sureno 13. Those arrested originate from the following countries: Costa Rica , El Salvador , Honduras , Iraq and Mexico . Three U.S. citizens were also arrested during this operation by local law enforcement agencies. Forty-two of those arrested are known members of local street gangs; 15 had active warrants for their arrest, or were arrested on state charges. Three aliens who did not have previous criminal convictions have already been voluntarily returned to Mexico . Some of the crimes associated with those arrested during this local operation include: 1st degree rape, burglary, drug trafficking and various drug-related convictions, sexual battery, lewd acts with a child, assaulting a police office, harboring a fugitive, intentionally discharging a firearm, and illegally possessing a firearm. August 30, 2007 ( Chelsea , East Boston, Everett , Lynn , Revere and Somerville , Mass. ): 36 violent street gang members and associates were arrested during a three-day long operation. Those arrested are members and associates of the violent street gang Mara-Salvatrucha (MS-13). They come from El Salvador , Colombia , Guatemala , Honduras and Nicaragua . Of the 36 arrested, 27 entered the United States without inspection, 4 are Lawful Permanent Residents with criminal convictions that make them subject to removal from the U.S, 2 have re-entered the United States after having been deported, 2 individuals have final orders of removal from an immigration judge, and one individual was arrested on a state warrant. In addition to the arrests, the action has resulted in the seizure of a variety of machetes, knives, switchblades and a small quantity of cocaine. The criminal records of those arrested include murder, assault and battery with a deadly weapon and assault and battery – domestic, assault and battery on a police officer, possession of a firearm, armed robbery, armed assault, possession of cocaine and marijuana, breaking and entering at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny and possession burglary tools and malicious destruction of property. August 21, 2007 (northern and northwest Chicago suburbs, including Waukegan , Mundelein and Round Lake ): 58 Mexican nationals with ties to violent street gangs were arrested. They are affiliated with violent street gangs such as the Latin Kings, Sureno-13s, and the Latin Lovers. Of those arrested, 37 are illegal aliens and 21 are U.S. permanent residents whose previous criminal convictions render them eligible for deportation. Some of the crimes associated with the gang members arrested include aggravated battery, possessing a controlled substance, armed violence, possessing a firearm, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, drunken driving, mob action and burglary. August 22, 2007 ( San Diego north county communities of Vista, Oceanside , Escondido and San Marcos ): 60 foreign nationals from Mexico with ties to violent street gangs were arrested during a two week operation. July 22, 2007 ( Arlington , Dallas , Farmers Branch, Fort Worth , Irving and Wichita Falls , Texas ): 121 violent street gang members were arrested during a seven-day enforcement action. Included were members of 27 local street gangs: 18th St., 28th St., Asian Boyz, Brown Pride, Diamond Hill, Eastside Homeboys, Eastside Locos, FTH, Fort Worth 28 Pride, How High Crew, Junior Homeboyz, Latin Kings, Love Field Players, Mexican Klan Locos, Mexican Mafia, MS-13, Neighborhood Crips, Northside Friends, Northside Locos, Puro Loco Mexicanos, Puro Tango Blast, Riverside 13, Sureno 13, True Bud Smokers, Valgos 18, Varrio Northside and Westside 12. Some of the crimes associated with the gang members arrested include; murder, sexually assaulting a child, robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated robbery, possessing a controlled substance, manufacturing a controlled substance, unlawfully carrying a weapon, engaging in organized criminal activity, burglary of a building, evading arrest, and resisting arrest. June 6, 2007 ( Anaheim , Long Beach , Los Angeles , Palmdale, Pasadena , San Fernando , Santa Ana , Signal Hill and Ventura , Calif. ): Six foreign nationals with ties to violent street gangs in the Southland were arrested during the week in an operation that resulted in the arrest of 124 gang members over a three month period. 36 were arrested on criminal charges and 88 on administrative immigration violations. Some of the gangs involved included; MS-13, White Fence, the 18th Street Gang, the Black P-Stones, the Eastside Longos, the Villa Boys, and Los Primos. May 24, 2007 (Guttenberg, Paterson , Union City and West New York, N. J.): An enforcement operation shut down a criminal enterprise run by members of the Latin Kings international gang in northern Hudson County . Tito Lopez, a.k.a. "King Chino," an allegedly high-ranking Latin Kings gang member and leader of the drug distribution organization was arrested. He is allegedly responsible for leading fellow gang members to a host of criminal actions including drug distribution, burglaries, witness intimidation, assaults and weapon sales. In all, the operation netted five federal, 12 state and two ICE administrative arrests. Additionally, 340 grams of cocaine and over one pound of marijuana were seized. March 27, 2007 (Guayama, Puerto Rico ): 36 suspected members of a major violent street gang were arrested, stemming from a long-term federal investigation that targeted a Guayama-based street gang known as the Killer Bees. The investigation revealed that the Killer Bees controlled the drug and gun trafficking operations within several public housing projects and other low-income areas. The Killer Bees were also allegedly responsible for the distribution of narcotics and illegal weapons within the public housing projects as well as for laundering the proceeds generated from the illicit activity. March 9, 2006 (23 states): During a two-week enforcement action, ICE arrested 375 gang members and associates in 23 states in a joint effort with law enforcement agencies nationwide. Large numbers of gang members were arrested in Dallas (44), San Diego (41), Washington , D.C. (22), Miami (22), and Raleigh , N.C. (19). Those arrested included members of MS-13, Surenos, 18th Street Gang, Latin Kings, Bloods, Crips, Armenian Power, Street Thug Criminals, Brown Pride, Asian Dragon Family, Avenue Assassins, Spanish Gangster Disciples, Big Time Killers and Hermanos Pistoleros Latinos. More than 260 of the 375 individuals arrested have past criminal records, most of them violent. July 28, 2005 (nationwide): ICE arrested 582 street gang members and associates during a two-week, nationwide enforcement action. More than 54 violent street gangs were targeted, including Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), Sureños, 18th Street Gang, Latin Kings, Vatos Locos, Mexican Mafia, La Raza gang, Border Brothers, Brown Pride, Norteno, Florencia 13, Tiny Rascal, Asian Boyz and Jamaican Posse. March 14, 2005 ( Baltimore , Dallas , Los Angeles , Miami , Newark , New York and Washington , D.C. ): ICE arrested 103 members of the violent street gang Mara Salvatrucha 13 (MS-13) in seven cities as part of the new anti-gang initiative called “Operation Community Shield.” Intelligence Gathering and Sharing: Under Operation Community Shield, ICE has received thousands of names of known and suspected gang members from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, as well as from foreign governments. This information is routinely compared with ICE's immigration and customs databases to identify and prioritize gang suspects who may be subject to ICE's legal jurisdiction. ICE's Law Enforcement Support Center (LESC) in Vermont plays a central role in this effort by running data on gang suspects provided by other law enforcement agencies against its immigration databases to determine whether these individuals are subject to ICE's federal immigration authorities. This data is then shared with ICE field offices and law enforcement

54min. 18sec.- Intense lightning in cloud with moon visible, , Ogallala, NE. 6/27/99, - Intense lightning at night-Nebraska- 5/7/05

00:00:00:15 sot "A 2 and a half inch hole from a drilling rig that was brought in by helicopter as of 7am this morning was down 450 ft on the 1,500 foot path to where we know the miners are trapped." (0:32) /

Spectators at the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta cheer as yet another hot air balloon launches into the air. Zoom right to the partially inflated Honda balloon being prepared for flight.

7min. 41sec.- Brief tornado touchdowns near the towns of , Stafford, KS & Great Bend, KS May 5th, 2007, - Tornado sirens blaring in the town of Stafford, , KS as a tornado develops just south of town.,- Wall cloud moving across the highway as chasers watch,- Brief tornado touchdowns near the town of Great Bend, KS, - Rapidly rotating wall cloud near Great Bend, KS

00:00:00:15 I THINK THE SURGE HAS FAILED. I THINK THERE WAS NO POSSIBILITY IT WAS GOING TO WORK. I THINK THE BRITISH HAD 130,000 PEOPLE OR 50 YEARS AGO AND 80 YEARS AGO AND THEY ONLY HAD 2.5 MILLION PEOPLE IN IRAQ. wipe to: 07:19:35 to 07:19:47 THIS IS A FAILED POLICY WRAPPED IN ILLUSION. WE CAN'T WIN IT MILITARILY. THEY HAVE TO REACH OUT TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY. I say this over and over again and they are not doing it. (0:28) /

January 10, 2007, just shortly before 7 a.m., Fort Worth Police responded to a call at the Wilshire West Apartments, located at 3000 Las Vegas Trail in west Fort Worth, after the vehicle owner relayed that someone had just stolen his car. A stolen vehicle broadcast was sent out and while officers were in route to the scene, one officer spotted the stolen 1999 White Chevy Monte Carlo driving east at 7500 Camp Bowie W. Blvd. The officer turned around and attempted to verify that the license plate on the car matched the earlier broadcast. The suspect driver, later identified as GRACIELA O. Miller, a black female, 19 years of age, (mug shot attached) continued traveling east on Camp Bowie and began to flee from police after officers' attempted to stop the stolen car.A short pursuit ensued, which lasted approximately 2 minutes, until the chase terminated when the suspect lost control of the stolen car and skidded “backwards” into the side of the Uncle Julio's Restaurant, located at 5200 Camp Bowie. Police took the suspect into custody without further incident. No other passengers were found inside the stolen car. The suspect did sustain minor injuries, as a result of the crash, and was transported to John Peter Smith Hospital for treatment. After the suspect was released from medical treatment, she was then transported to jail where she faces felony charges, including: Evading Police in a Vehicle and Auto Theft, plus local traffic warrants.No one else was injured in this incident and no other vehicle collisions were reported in association with this fleeing vehicle.In the aftermath, police interviewed the owner of the vehicle and learned that he had gone outside of his apartment and started the car to warm it up. The owner did have a second set of keys to the car and locked the door, but left the car running and unattended. After the owner went back inside of his apartment, the suspect came along and took advantage of the opportunity to steal the car.Police remind vehicle owners that it is unlawful in the State of Texas to leave your keys inside of the car, even if you lock the car and have another set.

HOUSE FLOOR DEBATE: The House meets at 9:00 a.m. and at 10:00 a.m. will begin Legislative Business Unlimited One-Minute Speeches Per Side Last Votes expected (unkown) Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 6 ) the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, to move the United States toward greater energy independence and security, to increase the production of renewable fuels, to protect consumers, to increase the efficiency of products, buildings and vehicles, to promote research on and deploy greenhouse gas capture and storage options, and to improve the energy performance of the Federal Government and for other purposes (Subject to a Rule) Suspension Bills (8) - 1) S. 2271 - The Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Sen. Dodd - Financial Services); 2) H.R. 2761 - The Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 (Rep. Capuano - Financial Services); 3) H.R. 3648 - The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 (Rep. Rangel - Ways and Means); 4) H.R. 3997 - The Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2007 (HEART) - (Rep. Rangel - Ways and Means); 5) S. 2488 - The Openness Promotes Effectiveness in our National Government Act of 2007 (OPEN ACT) - (Sen. Leahy - Oversight and Government Reform); 6) H.R. 660 - The Court Security Improvement Act of 2007 (Rep. Conyers - Judiciary); 7) S. 863 - Emergency and Disaster Assistance Fraud Penalty Enhancement Act of 2007 (Sen. Sessions - Judiciary); 8) H.R.3690 - U.S. Capitol Police and Library of Congress Police Merger Implementation Act of 2007 (Rep. Brady - House Administration) Postponed Suspension Votes (2): 1) H.Res. 542 - Expressing the unconditional support of the House of Representatives for the members of the National Guard (Rep. Brown-Waite - Armed Services); 2) H.R. 3793 - Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act of 2007 (Rep. Altmire - Armed Services) Conference Reports may be brought up at any time. / Motions to go to Conference should they become available. / Possible Motions to Instruct Conferees.

Yet another hot air balloon launches into the air then drifts away to join its fellows at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

00:00:00:15 have been destroyed 7:40:56 This is the first test of the new attorney general mukasey. One of the problems we have in this administration is they set their own rules, they provide their own legal opinions, and they investigate themselves. This is another self-policed action gone awry. The executive branch has to follow the laws that congress writes and has to let congress do fair oversight. If we had been able to do that unimpeded in 20005, my bet is the tapes would not have been destroyed. (0:28) /

HOUSE FLOOR DEBATE: The House meets at 9:00 a.m. and at 10:00 a.m. will begin Legislative Business Unlimited One-Minute Speeches Per Side Last Votes expected (unkown) Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 6 ) the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, to move the United States toward greater energy independence and security, to increase the production of renewable fuels, to protect consumers, to increase the efficiency of products, buildings and vehicles, to promote research on and deploy greenhouse gas capture and storage options, and to improve the energy performance of the Federal Government and for other purposes (Subject to a Rule) Suspension Bills (8) - 1) S. 2271 - The Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Sen. Dodd - Financial Services); 2) H.R. 2761 - The Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 (Rep. Capuano - Financial Services); 3) H.R. 3648 - The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 (Rep. Rangel - Ways and Means); 4) H.R. 3997 - The Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2007 (HEART) - (Rep. Rangel - Ways and Means); 5) S. 2488 - The Openness Promotes Effectiveness in our National Government Act of 2007 (OPEN ACT) - (Sen. Leahy - Oversight and Government Reform); 6) H.R. 660 - The Court Security Improvement Act of 2007 (Rep. Conyers - Judiciary); 7) S. 863 - Emergency and Disaster Assistance Fraud Penalty Enhancement Act of 2007 (Sen. Sessions - Judiciary); 8) H.R.3690 - U.S. Capitol Police and Library of Congress Police Merger Implementation Act of 2007 (Rep. Brady - House Administration) Postponed Suspension Votes (2): 1) H.Res. 542 - Expressing the unconditional support of the House of Representatives for the members of the National Guard (Rep. Brown-Waite - Armed Services); 2) H.R. 3793 - Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act of 2007 (Rep. Altmire - Armed Services) Conference Reports may be brought up at any time. / Motions to go to Conference should they become available. / Possible Motions to Instruct Conferees.

Story - For the second time in Lawn mower racing history the World famous 12 hour le Man race was abandoned several hours into the race due to torrid conditions. The rain soaked British summer put pay to the endurance race after only 4and a half (4 ½) hours into the scheduled 12 Hour race.  There had been persistent rain for most of the afternoon prior to the start so at 7pm when the rain finally stopped race officials decided to delay the start for one hour to see if the rain would run off the waterlogged circuit. So at 9 pm instead of the scheduled 8pm the race got underway under the orders of one of Britain’s most successful motoracing stars; the legendary Derek Bell. This evoked old memories for Bell who had raced lawn mowers himself and won the race back in 1978 and 1979 with fellow team mate Sterling Moss another of Britain’s most celebrated racing stars. Derek Bell had even bought his old racing mower along to the circuit and had a brief ride for old times sake; it has been sitting in a shed for 30 years! At 9pm the race finally got underway, 50 teams started the race but within 15 minutes many of the racers had churned up the sodden field causing mowers to clog up and burn clutches out. There were not only mechanical problems; the mud was also causing drivers to visit first aid, as mud had got in their eyes. With the passing of each lap the course got worse and more competitors machines became victims of the mud. By midnight nearly 40 teams had given up, only a dozen teams with the plucky Dunkirk spirit plodded on. By then it was difficult to describe the circuit as anything else apart from a quog-mire. Finally at 1.30 am race officials raised the red flag to abandon the race and put the remaining teams out of their muddy misery. At the time the race was stopped Team No 6, ‘Average Joe’s” were deemed the winners having completed a mere 57 laps but there was no sense of victory, just a resignation to the fact that this year’s weather had beaten them all. The 1.2 km course had become a mud bath, several inches in depth and the men and their machines were so covered in the sod that they almost became part of the course. This is only the 2nd time in the history of the event that the race has had to be abandoned (it was abandoned for the same reason in 2007) so perhaps the apparent shifting of the British seasons mean that officials may need to rethink the date of future races.History of the Sport and the 12 Hour raceIn 1973 the modern sport of lawn mower racing was born out of a meeting of enthusiastic beer drinkers at the Cricketers Arms Pub, West Sussex. At the time, motor sport consultant Jim Gavin (now Lawn mower race guru) had just returned from a rally, and talk naturally turned to motor sport. The main point of discussion hinged around the horrendously escalating costs involved in all branches of motor sport, whether it be rallying or scrambling. So a few pints later, minds began to explore thoughts of an alternative form of motor sport. The main criterion was to be competitive, lots of fun and above all cheap. But what could they race? Motorised bar-stools and wheel barrows were soon passed as being passé and so they were left with lawn mowers. The public became interested in the racing in the mid 70’s when Sir Stirling Moss was attracted to the sport by the club atmosphere and fun of racing. The first 12 hour Lawn mower race started in 1978 and with a Le Mans type start it attracted 47 entries that first year. After a night of thrills and spills the winners turned out to be former Ex-British driving ace Stirling and his partner five times Le Mans winner Derek Bell. The 12 hour race sees three different classes of lawn mowers racing. The overall trophy is awarded to the team completing the most laps/distance during the race. For this monster of an endurance race, many months of preparation have been put in, ensuring the machines and drivers are at their optimum performance for the race. The Ferraris or McLarens of this sport have names more often associated by the layman with garden centers: Atco, Webb or Westwood. For obvious safety reasons all the blades are removed for Racing Mowers. Each team has 3 drivers who swap periodically (like at Le Mans). There is a pit lane where teams refuel and carry out the inevitable repairs as mowers break down throughout the race. Results: Team ‘Average Joe’s’ (Number 6) completing 57 laps (more than any other team) Fact and Figures:  Number of Teams competing: 50 teams The circuit is approximately 1.2 km  There were 3 classes of lawn mowers racing: Group 2 - They look like a traditional lawnmower with seat attachedGroup 3 - Those that look like a buggyGroup 4 – Lawn tractors - Larger than the buggies and look like mini tractors

Passenger POV down the aisle and seats on both sides of the sightseers' lounge on the Southwest Chief Amtrak train. Passengers sit facing the large windows and enjoy the view as the train speeds through the New Mexico desert.

CU to MS pan left of hot air balloons being prepared for a dawn flight at the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.